Crieff Hydro’s Executive Head Chef, Ryan Whitcut, returned to Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus earlier this month to deliver an inspiring culinary session for hospitality students.
The demonstration, held on Monday 17 November, was designed to motivate and equip the next generation of hospitality professionals as they prepare to begin their careers within the industry.
The visit built on the success of last year’s session and focused on making the most of local, high-quality produce, as well as mastering a variety of sauces using innovative techniques.
Chef Ryan Whitcut, who has led the development and roll out of Crieff Hydro’s exciting new menus following the hotel’s multi-million-pound investment in its food and beverage offering, was also joined by Georgia Robertson, Crieff Hydro’s Talent Attraction and Internal Communications Manager.
Students were guided through an interactive and engaging workshop that went beyond cooking skills. The session delved into the business side of hospitality, covering menu planning, costings and customer engagement, while also reinforcing the importance of teamwork in a professional kitchen.
Now into its second year, Paul Cunningham, Curriculum Manager at Forth Valley College, highlighted the value of the partnership: “We're thrilled to partner once again with Crieff Hydro for this event. It’s a fantastic way for our students to gain real-world experience and insights from industry professionals.”
Ruari Chatburn, Forth Valley College Chef Lecturer, agreed, adding that the visit offered students “invaluable inspiration and real-world insight, boosting their confidence and career aspirations.”
Reflecting on the session, Crieff Hydro Executive Head Chef, Ryan Whitcut, said: “Returning to Forth Valley College allows us to share real-world insight, which can be missing from classroom learning, and help inspire students once again.
“It was a great session, and we hope everyone walked away with boosted confidence and a clear vision of the career paths waiting for them in Scotland’s thriving culinary scene.”
The event concluded with a tasting session, giving students the chance to sample the dishes prepared during the demonstration and deepen their understanding of flavour and presentation.
The ongoing collaboration with Forth Valley College underscores Crieff Hydro’s commitment to supporting local talent and helping to develop the skills needed for future success within Scotland’s vibrant hospitality industry.
Issued on behalf of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels by Tigerbond. For media enquiries please contact:
Sophie Wallace
07842120832
sophie.wallace@tigerbond.com
Nicole Starrs
07730812631
nicole.starrs@tigerbond.com
John Scott
07730 415027
john.scott@tigerbond.com
